Free Righting a Wrong (A Ripple Effect Romance Novella) by Rachael Anderson

“It caught me off guard and made me realize how much I cared about you and how easy it would be to say no to college and do exactly what my father wanted me to do. And that scared me. I didn’t want his dreams to become my dreams, and all of a sudden, it felt as though both of you were ganging up on me, trying to get me to stay in a place that I just … couldn’t.”
    Jace leaned forward, resting his elbows on the counter. “I wasn’t trying to make you stay. I was trying to let you know how I felt. I never expected—or wanted—you to give up your dreams for me.”
    Cambri nodded, her voice quiet. “I know. I was just so mixed up that I needed to get away and take some time to think. But when I moved to Pennsylvania, I was a country girl in a big city, lonely and intimidated. I was afraid that if I called, if I heard your voice, I’d jump on the next flight home. So I didn’t. And the more time that passed, the harder it became to pick up the phone. Then one day, I decided it had been too long and wouldn’t matter anymore.” She paused. “But I was wrong. I’m so sorry, Jace. I should have never left like that. I should have never let you slip from my life. It’s something I’ll always regret.”
    The floor creaked, sounding loud in the silence. Jace didn’t know what to say —or think, for that matter. What did a six-year-old apology mean now? Was this Cambri’s way of getting closure, or did she want to renew the friendship and keep in touch? What did she want from him? What did he want from her?
    Kiss-and-make-ups were supposed to happen before six years later. Before someone makes a life somewhere else.
    The silence continued, getting more uncomfortable with each passing second. Finally, Cambri placed her hand over his. “I always thought this house deserved an amazing owner. I’m glad it’s you. Goodnight, Jace.”
    He watched as she zipped up her hoodie and walked out the front door, closing it softly behind her. The air was cold and the night dark. He couldn’t let her walk home at this hour. Jace strode to the door and pulled it open.
    “Cam.” Her shortened name came natural to him, the way it had in high school. “Want a ride home?”
    She looked over her shoulder and nodded. “I’d love one.”
    During the ride back to her father’s, Jace was quiet and contemplative, and the air crackled with unsaid words. When he pulled to a stop in front of her father’s house, he threw his truck into park. “Thanks for explaining,” he finally said. “It’s nice to finally understand why you did what you did.”
    “I should have told you a long time ago. I’m sorry I didn’t.”
    Jace glanced her way and shrugged. “No worries. It’s over.”
    “Yeah, yeah. Water under a bridge, I know.”
    He picked at something on his steering wheel, feeling restless and confused. “When are you heading back?”
    “Not sure.” Cambri glanced at the house. “Soon, or else I might be out of a job. But I can’t help worrying about Dad. What if he doesn’t keep eating healthy or getting the right amount of exercise? Things between us are better than they’ve ever been, and if I leave … ” She let the words trail off.
    Jace cocked his head and studied her, feeling like they were back to where they were six years ago, with her dad still pulling her to stay. Jace wasn’t about to join in. “Don’t let your dad keep you here. He’s got friends who will look after him—including me. You have a life somewhere else, and you can’t put it on hold forever.”
    “Like you didn’t put your life on hold for your grandfather?” Cambri said, her voice so quiet he almost didn’t hear.
    Jace shifted to face her. “I didn’t put my life on hold for him. I’ve always loved it here, and when my parents decided to move and pass the business down to me, it was an easy thing to accept because I wanted it. Trust me, I’m more selfish than loyal.”
    Cambri shook her head as though she didn’t believe him.